How often should ladders be subjected to service testing?

Ladders are critical pieces of equipment in firefighting, and maintaining their integrity and safety is essential for the safety of firefighters and the effectiveness of fire operations. Service testing ladders annually is a standard practice established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), specifically NFPA 1932, which outlines the maintenance, testing, and serviceability of ground ladders.

This annual testing ensures that any wear, damage, or deterioration is identified and addressed before the ladders are used in potentially hazardous situations. Regular inspections and testing contribute to ensuring that ladders can support the weight of firefighters and their gear, and perform as expected during emergencies. Performing this testing more frequently, such as every six months, could lead to unnecessary wear on the equipment and additional costs without sufficient justification, while testing less frequently could pose risks if issues go unnoticed for too long.

By adhering to the annual service testing schedule, fire departments can ensure that their ladders remain in safe operating condition, ultimately protecting the lives of firefighters and the public.